The student is expected to examine scientific explanations for varying rates of change such as gradualism, abrupt appearance, and stasis in the fossil record.
A student expectation is directly related to the knowledge and skills statement, is more specific about how students demonstrate their learning, and always begins with a verb. Student expectations are further broken down into their component parts, often referred to as “breakouts.”
identify fossils as evidence of past living organisms and environments, including common Texas fossils.
S.4.12.C
identify and describe past environments based on fossil evidence, including common Texas fossils.
BIO.9.A
analyze and evaluate how evidence of common ancestry among groups is provided by the fossil record, biogeography, and homologies, including anatomical, molecular, and developmental; and
BIO.9.B
examine scientific explanations for varying rates of change such as gradualism, abrupt appearance, and stasis in the fossil record.
EARTH.7.D
explain how sedimentation, fossilization, and speciation affect the degree of completeness of the fossil record;
EARTH.7.F
analyze data from rock and fossil succession to evaluate the evidence for and significance of mass extinctions, major climatic changes, and tectonic events.
BIO.9.B — Breakout of skills
Breakouts are the component parts that make up a student expectation. A breakout shows a distinct concept a student should know or a distinct skill that a student should be able to demonstrate.
The student is expected to
examine scientific explanations for varying rates of change such as gradualism, abrupt appearance, and stasis in the fossil record